The Minority has called on managers and lecturers of public universities in Ghana to vehemently reject the Public Universities Bill.
The bill is aimed at diffusing the autonomy of the Universities.
“It will not be a good law in the first place. So parliament is not here to pass laws that are not good for this country.
“We [Minority] will make our voices known and we expect the University dons to also make their voice clear and once they do that I think wisdom will bear on us here to do the right the thing,” the Minority spokesperson on Education Peter Nortsu told Accra-based Starr FM.
“If we want the good of this country, good academic freedom and environment and for the universities to excel then I expect the majority to also oppose it when it is finally laid.
“Everyone who wants an independent and progressive tertiary institutions in this country should make sure that we don’t pass a bill that will be detrimental to the growth of education, especially at the tertiary levels in this country.”
The Public Universities Bill, 2019
According to excerpts of the Bill’s explanatory memorandum, the purpose of the Public Universities Bill is to provide the procedure for the establishment of Public Universities, principles of management of Public universities, the legal status of Public universities, the procedure for financing Public universities and administration and supervision of the activities of Public universities and related matters.
Clauses 1 to 4 deal with the establishment of Public Universities in Ghana. A Public University is established as a corporate entity under clause 1 with the aim of providing higher education, disseminating knowledge, undertaking research and fostering relationships with bodies outside the University in accordance with principles specified under clause 2. Clause 3 provides for the establishment of campuses whilst Clause 4 provides for the duty of the University to award degrees.
Clauses 5 to 12 deal with the governance of a Public University in Ghana. Clause 5 provides for a University Council as the governing body of a Public University. A Council shall consist of nine persons including a chairperson nominated by the President.
Clause 6 grants the Council general powers to do or provide for any matter in relation to the University that the Council considers expedient.
The functions of a Public University Council, as provided for under clause 7, include the duty to ensure the implementation of the aims of the University, to determine the strategic direction of the University, to monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies of the University and to promote income-generating activities as part of the programmes of the University.
The Council is also required to control the finances of the University and determine the allocation and proper use of funds. The standard provisions on the tenure of office of members of the Council and meetings of the Council are set out in clause 8 and 9 respectively.
Source: Daily Mail Gh
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